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Abstract:

A tubular coupling member is configured to couple a fluid delivery pipe
located external to a building with a service pipe located inside the
building. The tubular coupling member includes a longitudinal axis and a
pipe extending along the longitudinal axis. The pipe has a first end with
a straight connector portion and a second end configured to couple to the
service pipe. The straight connector portion includes an outer surface
and a terminating taper. The outer surface has a substantially uniform
outside diameter, and the taper extends radially inward from the outer
surface toward the longitudinal axis.

Claims:

1. A tubular coupling member configured to couple a subterranean fluid
delivery pipe disposed external to a building with a service pipe
disposed inside the building, the tubular coupling member comprising: a
first pipe having two ends; a second pipe having a first end and a second
end; an intermediate coupler coupled to and disposed between an end of
the first pipe and the second end of the second pipe; and a tubular
straight connector having a substantially uniform outside diameter and
having a leading end and a terminating end; wherein the terminating end
directly engages the first end of the second pipe.

2. The tubular coupling member of claim 1 further comprising: An end
connector coupled to the first pipe and disposed at the end opposite the
intermediate coupler.

3. The tubular coupling member of claim 1 wherein the leading end of the
straight connector includes a long bevel adapted for installing the
straight connector directly within a bell coupler on a fluid delivery
pipe.

4. A tubular coupling member configured to couple an expanded coupler of
a fluid delivery pipe disposed external to a building with a service pipe
disposed inside the building, the tubular coupling member comprising: a
generally vertical portion; a generally horizontal portion having a
straight connector portion at one end; an intermediate portion between
the generally vertical portion and the generally horizontal portion and
distal the straight connector portion; and An end connector coupled to
the generally vertical portion distal the intermediate portion; Wherein
the straight connector portion having an outer surface of substantially
uniform diameter and a leading end configured to engage directly within
the expanded coupler of the fluid delivery pipe.

5. The tubular coupling member of claim 4 wherein outer surface of the
straight connector portion comprises a substantially uniform diameter and
the leading end includes a long bevel.

6. The tubular coupling member of claim 4 wherein the straight connector
portion comprises an outer surface; and wherein the long bevel is
generally 22 degrees from the outer surface of the straight connector
portion.

7. A method for transitioning a subterranean fluid supply system into
building zone, the method comprising: forming a tubular coupling member
having a straight connector portion disposed at a first end; engaging the
straight connector portion directly with a terminating fluid delivery
pipe of the fluid supply system; wherein the terminating fluid delivery
pipe is horizontal and subterranean; and extending the tubular coupling
member vertically into a building zone;

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising: selecting a terminating
fluid delivery pipe having an expanded coupler at an exit end and having
a suitable length; installing the terminating fluid delivery pipe in the
fluid supply system;

10. The method of claim 7 further comprising: fixing the relative
locations of the tubular coupling member and the terminating fluid
delivery pipe.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional patent application
No. 61/654,590 filed Jun. 1, 2012 and entitled "Apparatus and Method for
Connecting to a Fluid Supply by Means of a Building Riser."

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Buildings require pipe coupling assemblies to connect portions of
the piping inside a building to a water supply system outside the
building. For example, a pipe coupling assembly is used to connect a
buried, i.e. subterranean, water supply line to water service and
distribution lines within a building. The pipe coupling assembly may be
used to supply potable water, for example. A common pipe coupling
assembly includes a bell-shaped expanded coupler at its entry end, which
is similar to the bell-shaped expanded coupler located at the end of a
typical supply pipe. To couple the pipe coupling assembly to the water
supply system, the final piece of supply pipe is cut to a size that
nearly reaches the building site. A separate piece of straight pipe is
cut to an appropriate length, and inserted into the bell bell-shaped
couplers of both the final piece of supply pipe and the pipe coupling
assembly, extending therebetween. The pipe coupling assembly is connected
to a distribution line within a building. Thus, the connection between
the final piece of supply pipe and the pipe coupling assembly is indirect
and two pieces of material must be supplied and cut at the job site in
order to couple the water supply system to the pipe coupling assembly.
Alternate apparatus and methods for connecting the piping inside a
building to a water supply system outside the building could offer
economic advantages during construction or modification of a building.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] For a detailed description of the disclosed embodiments of the
invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in
which:

[0005] FIG. 1 is an elevation view in partial cross-section of a building
system incorporating a tubular coupling member in accordance with
principles described herein;

[0006]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tubular coupling member in the
building system of FIG. 1;

[0007]FIG. 3 is a side view of the straight connector used in the tubular
coupling member of FIG. 2;

[0008]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method for transitioning a
subterranean fluid supply system into a building zone in accordance with
principles described herein;

[0009]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a continuation of the method
FIG. 4 in accordance with principles described herein;

[0010]FIG. 6 is a tubular coupling member compatible with the building
system of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 7 is a tubular coupling member compatible with the building
system of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 8 is an end connector compatible with the tubular coupling
members of FIG. 2, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7; and

[0013]FIG. 9 is an end connector compatible with the tubular coupling
members of FIG. 2, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features
and advantages intended to address various shortcomings associated with
certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The various characteristics
of the embodiments, as well as other features, will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed
description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] The following description is exemplary of embodiments of the
invention. These embodiments are not to be interpreted or otherwise used
as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. One
skilled in the art will understand that the following description has
broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to
be exemplary of that embodiment, and is not intended to suggest in any
way that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to
that embodiment.

[0016] The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features
and components disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in
somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may
not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In some of the
figures, in order to improve clarity and conciseness of the figure, one
or more components or aspects of a component may be not depicted or may
not have reference numerals identifying the features or components that
are identified elsewhere. In addition, like or identical reference
numerals may be used to identify common or similar elements.

[0017] The terms "including" and "comprising" are used herein, including
in the claims, in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted
to mean "including, but not limited to . . . ." Also, the term "couple"
or "couples" is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection.
Thus, if a first component couples or is coupled to a second component,
the connection between the components may be through a direct engagement
of the two components, or through an indirect connection that is
accomplished via other intermediate components, devices and/or
connections.

[0018] In addition, when used herein (meaning in the disclosure or in the
claims), the terms "axial" and "axially" generally mean along or parallel
to a given axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms
"radial" and "radially" generally mean perpendicular to the axis. For
instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or
parallel to the axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured
perpendicular to the axis. Any reference herein to an orientation such as
"up," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "down," "downward," "horizontal" and
similar terms will be made for the purpose of clarification. Similarly,
any reference herein to the terms "inlet" and "exit" will be made for the
purpose of clarification. In various embodiments of the technology
disclosed herein, the orientation of a piece of equipment or of a
component or the flow direction of a fluid may be altered to suit the
requirements of differing applications.

[0019] This disclosure relates generally to piping connections as applied
to fixed structures, such as buildings or chemical processing facilities.
More particularly, the disclosure relates to equipment and methods for
coupling to a fluid supply line, i.e. a pipe, disposed external to a
structure in order to provide a usable connection within the structure.
Still more particularly, in at least one embodiment, the disclosure
relates to a upwardly terminating building riser for connecting a
horizontal supply pipe, which may be sub-terrestrial and may be formed
from type C900 polyvinylchloride (PVC). The building riser may be
connected to other plumbing within the building, such as, for example, a
fire suppression system, a chemical process line, a water distribution
system, or sewage piping. As will be explained, the building riser
disclosed herein offers a method for easily connecting directly to an
expanded coupler, i.e. a "bell," located at the end of a supply pipe and
provides a method for transitioning from PVC pipe to metal pipe.

[0020] Representing one embodiment, FIG. 1 presents a building system or,
more simply, building 10 comprising a poured concrete foundation 12, a
foundation footer 14, one or more walls 16, service pipe 18, and a piping
member that will be called a tubular coupling member 100, and more
specific to this embodiment, will also be called a building riser 100.
Building 10 is disposed on, in, or adjacent to the earth 20 in a building
zone 5. Building zone 5 represents the region adjacent of earth 20 where
building 10 is intended to be built or placed or where building 10 is
already built or placed. As installed, building riser 100 extends
vertically above and below foundation 12 and extends into earth 20. In
various instances of construction, building riser 100 is positioned in
building zone 5 prior to the installation or fabrication of foundation
12, footer 14, and walls 16. Building riser 100 includes a bend, and, as
installed, the lower portion of riser 100 extends horizontally beyond
foundation 12 and footer 14. The vertical portion of riser 100 couples
with service pipe 18 associated with building 10. The horizontal portion
of riser 100 comprises a straight connector 170 at one end. By means of
straight connector 170, riser 100 couples with subterranean fluid supply
system 25, mating directly within expanded coupler 35 at one end of a
fluid delivery pipe 30 buried within earth 20. Expanded coupler 35 will
also be called a bell coupler or, more simply, a bell. In other
embodiments, the upper end of riser 100 couples to a blind flange or
another sealing member without connecting to a pipe 18. Various
embodiments include valves (not shown) coupled to fluid supply system 25,
riser 100, or service pipe 18 to control the flow of fluid during
installation, maintenance, and operation.

[0021] Fluid supply system 25 comprises a plurality of tubular fluid
delivery pipes 30, which in FIG. 1 are type C900 PVC water supply pipes.
However, other embodiments of system 25 may use another material, such as
galvanized steel, ductile iron, or another plastic, for example. FIG. 1
shows only a portion of the at least one branch of system 25. System 25
may comprise other branches reaching other buildings or other locations
in building 10. A fluid delivery pipe 30 includes a longitudinal axis 31,
a first or inlet end 32 having a substantially uniform outside diameter,
a second or exit end 33, and an outer surface 46. Exit end 33 includes
the expanded coupler 35. The inner diameter of at least a portion of
expanded coupler 35 is greater than the outer diameter of the inlet end
32. The outer diameter of at least a portion of expanded coupler 35 is
still greater, giving it a generalized "bell" shape and thus the name. An
annular sealing member or seal 38 is disposed circumferentially around
inner surface 36 of expanded coupler 35. When two adjacent pipes 30 are
axially aligned and coupled, the expanded coupler 35 and seal 38 disposed
at exit end 33 of a first pipe 30 slidingly receive and engage a second
pipe 30 along outer surface 46 at the inlet end 32. Thereby, two coupled
distribution pipes are sealed against fluid loss. It will be recognized
in FIG. 1 that hidden lines showing pipe inner surfaces are shown only in
relationship to the terminating fluid delivery pipe 30A at the distal end
of fluid supply system 25. External pipe surfaces alone are shown
elsewhere in FIG. 1.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, building riser 100 is a tubular member that
includes an upper pipe 110, a lower pipe 120, an intermediate coupler 130
between the pipes 110, 120, an upper end connector 140, and a
tubular-shaped straight connector 170. These members 110, 120, 130, 140,
170 of riser 100 are concentrically aligned along a longitudinal axis 101
and are coupled and sealed by means of junctions 148 between adjacent
members. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, junctions 148 are circumferential
welds, and end connector 140 is a flange having multiple axially-aligned,
circumferentially-spaced through-bores 142. Riser 100 further comprises
two or more brackets 144 coupled to lower pipe 120. The portion of
bracket 144 extending radially beyond pipe 120 includes an aperture 146.
A corrosion resistant coating 150 covers the exposed surfaces of riser
100.

[0023] In the assembled building riser 100, upper pipe 110 is a generally
vertical portion, lower pipe 120 is a generally horizontal portion,
intermediate coupler 130 is an intermediate portion between the generally
vertical portion and the generally horizontal portion, tubular-shaped
straight connector 170 is straight connector portion at one end of the
generally horizontal portion, and upper end connector 140 is coupled to
the generally vertical portion distal the intermediate portion.

[0024] Best shown in FIG. 3, tubular straight connector 170 comprises a
longitudinal axis 171, a first or inlet end 172, a second or exit end
176, an outer surface 182 having a substantially uniform outside diameter
between ends 172, 176, and an inner surface 184. Inlet end 172 includes a
portion of outer surface 182 and an inlet bevel 173 extending from outer
surface 182. Inlet bevel 173 generally follows an acute angle alpha,
α, measured from outer surface 182 and parallel to axis 171. The
magnitude of angle alpha is chosen so as to reduce the axial force
required to engage outer surface 182 with annular seal 38 of expanded
coupler 35. More generally, alpha is chosen to improve the coupling
between building riser 100 and the expanded coupler 35 of a fluid
delivery pipe 30. In FIG. 3, the magnitude of angle alpha is
approximately 22 degrees (°), but alpha may be precisely
22° or may be more or less than 22° in other embodiments.
As configured, inlet bevel 173 may be called a "long bevel." Second or
exit end 176 includes a weld bevel 177 extending towards and intersecting
outer surface 182. Weld bevel 177 generally follows an acute angle beta,
β, measured from outer surface 182 and parallel to axis 171. As
shown, the magnitude of angle beta is approximately 45°, but beta
may be precisely 45° or may be more or less than 45° in
other embodiments.

[0025] Returning to building riser 100 illustrated in FIG. 2, exit end 176
of straight connector 170 couples to inlet end 122 of lower pipe 120,
which couples at its second or exit end 123 to an end 132 of intermediate
coupler 130. In this embodiment, intermediate coupler 130 is an elbow
fitting. The body of intermediate coupler 130 is defined, in part, by a
radius, R, and spans an angle rho, ρ. In FIGS. 1 and 2, angle rho is
90 degrees and intermediate coupler 130 is a "long radius elbow," as
defined in the industry. In other embodiments, rho may be more or less
than 90 degrees, for example 45 degrees, and radius R may be more or less
than required for a long radius elbow. For example, in some embodiments,
connector 130 is a "short radius elbow," as defined in the industry. The
other end 132 of coupler 130 joins to first or inlet end 112 of upper
pipe 110, which couples at its second or exit end 113 to end connector
140.

[0026] Like end 176 of straight connector 170 in FIG. 3, the ends of upper
pipe 110, lower pipe 120, intermediate coupler 130, and end connector 140
comprise weld bevels (not shown) to facilitate and improve the strength
and quality of the circumferential welds that form the junctions 148 in
this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the welds of junctions 148 are butt welds. A
junction 148, when formed as a weld, may start as one or more
circumferentially spaced tack welds to insure alignment of adjacent
members. A junction 148 may be fabricated by forming a circumferential
root pass weld (not shown) extending into the inner surface of the
tubular members, such as inner surface 184 of straight connector 170 and
the inner surface of lower pipe 120. The junction 148 may be completed by
one or more additional, circumferential welding passes disposed radially
beyond the root pass. Other welding and coupling techniques may be
employed to join the members 110, 120, 130, 140, and 170, such as socket
welding, which does not require bevels at the end of each member, and
such as a compression or interference fit.

[0027] In FIG. 2, the members 110, 120, 130, 140, and 170 of riser 100
comprise carbon steel, and corrosion resistant coating 150 is a
hot-dipped galvanizing coating, applied after the members 110, 120, 130,
140, and 170 and brackets 144 of building riser 100 are coupled, e.g.
welded together. Various dimensions, including the outside diameter, the
inside diameter, and thus the wall thickness of upper pipe 110, lower
pipe 120, intermediate couple 130, and straight connector 170 are sized
according to schedule 10 pipe, as defined in the industry. The dimensions
of end connector 140, i.e. the flange, are sized for a pressure rating of
150 pounds-per-square-inch. During intermediate states of fabrication,
the aforesaid dimensions of members 110, 120, 130, 140, and 170 may be
specified, adjusted, or reduced so that riser 100 achieves the targeted
dimensions for schedule 10 pipe with a 150 pound flange after coating 150
has been applied, and fabrication is complete. In other embodiments of
building riser 100, other materials and other pipe schedules (for
example, schedule 40) or pressure ratings may be used for members 110,
120, 130, 140, and 170. Other materials include stainless steel, brass,
C900 PVC, copper, or any other suitable material known in the art. Some
of these other materials may include a corrosion resistance coating or
may not require the addition of coating 150. Some of the other materials
for other embodiments of riser 100, such as C900 PVC, may require that
extra structure be added support building service pipe 18 of FIG. 1. In
some embodiments, the welds that form junctions 148 are replaced by
threaded, brazed, soldered, or cemented connections, for example, and
various ends of upper pipe 110, lower pipe 120, intermediate coupler 130,
end connector 140 comprise, and end 176 of straight connector 170 are
formed with a shape other than a weld bevel.

[0028] Again referring to building 10 in FIG. 1, end connector 140 of
building riser 100 matingly couples and seals to another end connector
22, e.g. a flange, of corresponding size and compatible shape on building
service pipe 18. In this embodiment, end connector 22 is a flange like
end connector 140. In various embodiments, a sealing member 143, for
example a gasket, between the two end connectors seals against radial
fluid flow, i.e. fluid loss or fluid gain. Multiple pairs of threaded
bolts and nuts or other suitable fasteners 19 hold the two exemplarily
flanges together, i.e. end connectors 140, 22. Building service pipe 18
comprises carbon steel; although, in other embodiments pipe 18 may be
another suitable material, including, for example, copper, brass, or a
plastic such as PVC. Beneath foundation 12, a thrust block 50 surrounds a
portion of riser 100 with the intent to fix or hold it in position
against possible fluid forces, weights, or the shifting of portions of
earth 20. As introduced earlier, adjacent building 10, the expanded
coupler 35 and annular seal 38 of a fluid delivery pipe 30 slidingly
receive inlet end 172 of straight connector 170 at the lower, horizontal
end of riser 100. In particular, straight connector 170 couples with the
terminating fluid delivery pipe 30A at the distal end of fluid supply
system 25.

[0029] Along the run of fluid supply system 25, a fluid delivery pipe 30,
which may be straight or curved, is partially surrounded by a second
thrust block 50 at least in this embodiment. The two thrust blocks 50 are
configured to hold or to reduce the movement of riser 100 and one or more
fluid delivery pipes 30 against possible fluid forces, weights, or the
shifting of portions of earth 20. The thrust blocks 50 are configured to
stabilize the coupling of riser 100 and fluid supply system 25 and to
maintain a leak-tight connection therebetween. In FIG. 1, the two thrust
blocks 50 are formed from poured concrete; although, prefabricated
concrete or another suitable material may be used.

[0030] In addition to the concrete thrust blocks 50, a bracket, which in
this example is an annular bracket 40, is coupled to outer surface 46 of
the terminating pipe 30A, which mates riser 100. Annular bracket 40
includes multiple, circumferentially spaces apertures 42. Two or more
compression-inducing members, such tie-rods 56, extend through apertures
42 in bracket 40 and apertures 146 in brackets 144 on riser 100. Tie-rods
56 may comprise all-thread, i.e. a fully threaded metal rod. Beyond
brackets 40, 144, each tie-rod 56 is held by fasteners 58, such as
threaded nuts, crimped fittings, coupled pins, bent ends on tie-rod 56,
or any other suitable fastener. When a tension force is developed in
tie-rods 56, and the tension is held by fasteners 58, the tie-rods 56
induce compression in riser 100 and the mating pipe 30A, maintaining a
leak-tight connection therebetween. Brackets 40, 144, tie-rods 56, and
fasteners 58 are configured with sufficient strength so they may be used
to develop tension and axially engage the end of riser 100 with expanded
coupler 35 and seal 28 on pipe 30. This engagement occurs prior to the
completion of one or both of the thrust blocks 50. In other embodiments,
no bracket 40 or compression member (e.g. tie-rod 56) is coupled to an
outer surface 46 of pipe 30A and riser 100; instead, only the multiple
thrust blocks 50 are used to maintain the relative positions of building
riser 100 and one or more pipes 30, 30A of fluid supply system 25. In
still other embodiments, brackets 40, 144 and tie-rods 56 couple and fix
building riser 100 to fluid supply system 25 without the aid of thrust
blocks 50.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, method 200 is an embodiment of a method
transitioning a subterranean fluid supply system into a building zone.
Method 200 begins at step 205 and ends at step 260. Operation step 210
involves forming a tubular coupling member having a straight connector
portion disposed at a first end. In at least one embodiment, the method
also adds an inlet bevel or a rounded end to the straight connector. Step
220 comprises engaging the straight connector portion directly with a
terminating fluid delivery pipe of the fluid supply system; wherein the
terminating fluid delivery pipe is horizontal and subterranean. Step 230
involves extending the tubular coupling member vertically into a building
zone.

[0032] In some instances, additional steps from FIG. 5 are incorporated
into method 200. These steps include step 240 involving selecting a
terminating fluid delivery pipe having an expanded coupler at an exit end
and having a suitable length to extend between the remainder of the fluid
supply system, which may be like fluid supply system 25, and the tubular
coupling member. Step involves installing the terminating fluid delivery
pipe in the fluid supply system. Step 250 involves fixing the relative
locations of the tubular coupling member and the terminating fluid
delivery pipe, which may be accomplished, for example, using tie-rods 56,
extend through apertures 42 in bracket 40 and apertures 146 in brackets
144 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] The method 200 allows for flexibility. For example, the sequence of
two or more operation steps of method 400 might be rearranged in some
embodiments. Other embodiments of method 400 include additional
operations or may exclude one or more of the operational steps listed.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 6, a tubular coupling member 300 compatible
with various water supply applications, including the building system 10
and fluid supply system 25 of FIG. 1, for example. Tubular coupling
member 300 includes a generally vertical portion 310, a generally
horizontal portion 320, an intermediate portion 330 between the vertical
portion 310 and the horizontal portion 320, a straight connector portion
370 at one end of the horizontal portion 320. In this embodiment, tubular
coupling member 300 is formed from a single, contiguous piece of bent
pipe or tubing with the addition of an upper end connector 140 coupled to
the vertical portion 310 distal the intermediate portion 330. Straight
connector portion 370 comprises an inlet end 172 and an outer surface 182
having a substantially uniform outside diameter. Inlet end 172 includes a
portion of outer surface 182 and an inlet bevel 173 extending from outer
surface 182. Inlet bevel 173 generally follows an acute angle alpha,
α, as previously described.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a tubular coupling member 400 compatible with various
water supply applications, including the building system 10 and fluid
supply system 25 of FIG. 1, for example. Tubular coupling member 400 is
particularly suited as s fire department connection quick coupler. In
various applications, tubular coupling member 400 couples to a fire
department connection (not shown) outside or independent of a building.
Tubular coupling member 400 includes an upper pipe 410, a lower pipe 420,
an intermediate coupler 430 between the pipes 410, 420, an upper end
connector 440, and a tubular-shaped straight connector 170. These members
410, 420, 430, 440, 170 of riser 100 are aligned along a longitudinal
axis (not shown) and are coupled and sealed by means of junctions 148
between adjacent members. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, junctions 148 are
a circumferential welds, and end connector 140 is a internally threaded
pipe coupling. In various other embodiments, at least one of the
junctions 148 are formed as a threaded connection between a pair of
adjacent, threaded members. Riser 100 further comprises two or more
brackets 144 coupled to lower pipe 420. The portion of bracket 144
extending radially beyond pipe 120 includes an aperture 146. A corrosion
resistant coating 150 covers the exposed surfaces of riser 400. At least
in the embodiment of FIG. 7, upper pipe 410 is longer that lower pipe
420.

[0036] In the assembled building riser 400, upper pipe 410 is a generally
vertical portion, lower pipe 420 is a generally horizontal portion;
intermediate coupler 430 is an intermediate portion between the generally
vertical portion and the generally horizontal portion; tubular-shaped
straight connector 470 is straight connector portion at one end of the
generally horizontal portion; and upper end connector 140 is coupled to
the generally vertical portion distal the intermediate portion.

[0037] Thus whether by Method 400 or by application of any of the tubular
coupling members 100, 300, 400 disclosed herein or formed based on the
teachings herein, the connection between a fluid supply system and the
tubular coupling member is direct without a separate piece of pipe in
between. This direct connection between fluid supply system and the
tubular coupling member offers economic and scheduling benefits in
various instances.

Additional Information

[0038] Although building 10 was shown with a poured concrete foundation
and walls, in other embodiments, building riser 100 is installed in a
structure having other forms of construction such as a building with a
poured foundation and a wood-framed wall, a building having floor joists
and flooring panels suspended over a crawl space, a building elevated on
poles which may require additional piping to extend vertically between
building riser 100 and the foundation or the floor of the building.
Building riser 100 may also be installed in a facility with a foundation
but no enclosing walls or few enclosing walls, such as are the designs of
some chemical processing and manufacturing facilities. In some cases
dirt, gravel, or another surface may replace the foundation. In addition,
in some embodiments, the entirety of building riser 100 and at least the
mating portion of fluid supply system 25 are disposed above the surface
of earth 20, being supported by one or more thrust blocks 50 or by other
suitable support structure.

[0039] Although, pipes and fittings have been shown as cylindrical,
possessing a round cross-section, in other embodiments, one or more of
these tubular members or portions of one or more of these tubular members
may have a cross-section of another shape, such as rectangular,
elliptical, triangular, or oval.

[0040] In the example of in FIG. 3, outer surface 182 of straight
connector 170 comprises a "generally constant outside diameter." The
following example will give a broader understanding of this phrase, as
used in the description and in the claims. In some embodiments, a portion
of outer surface 182 is modified to comprise an increasing and/or a
decreasing taper as it extends between inlet end 172 and exit end 176. So
long as the taper does not interfere with the ability of the modified
outer surface 183 to fit within expanded coupler 35 and to seal against
annular seal 38, the modified outer surface 183 falls within the
definition of a surface having a generally constant outside diameter.

[0041] In some embodiments of straight connector 170, an edge of first end
172 may be rounded or filleted instead of comprising an inlet bevel 173.
In some other embodiments, the beveling, rounding, or filleting of the
inlet end may be intersect both the outer surface and the inner surface
of the straight connector. For example, in addition to the bevel 173 that
intersects outer surface 182 as shown in FIG. 3, another bevel, possibly
with an angle different than alpha, may intersect inner surface 184 at
inlet end 172. This second bevel may be added for the purpose of reducing
friction between inner surface 184 and a moving fluid.

[0042] For building riser 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, end connector 140 has
been described as a flange. However, in other embodiments, building riser
100 may be coupled to a building service pipe 18 by any suitable means of
coupling known in the art. For example riser 100 may be welded to pipe
18. As another example, a groove or a lip (not shown) in upper pipe 110
adjacent exit end 113 may be installed in place of a flange as the upper
end connector 140 and may be engaged by a generally circumferential
clamp, the clamp providing an axial force and/or a radial force to couple
riser 100 to a pipe 18 having a similar groove or lip. In another
example, a weld bevel may be formed at second end 113 of upper pipe 110,
the bevel being the upper end connector for the building riser with
coupling to pipe 18 accomplished by a butt weld in place of fasteners 19.

[0043] Although intermediate coupler 130 was disclosed for at least one
embodiment as being an elbow fitting, in various other embodiments,
intermediate portion 130, 330, 430, may comprise another fitting that
advantageously transitions the riser 100 from the orientation of fluid
supply system 25, which is horizontal or is sloped from horizontal in
various applications, to the orientation of service pipe 18, which is
vertical or extends in a direction other than vertical in various
applications. For example, in various embodiments the intermediate
portion is formed from a plurality of pieces of pipe butt-welded together
at various angles. In some other embodiments, the intermediate portion
include multiple elbows.

[0044] While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described,
modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without
departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described
herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and
modifications of the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein
are possible and are within the scope of the invention. For example, the
relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the
various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied. Examples of
other, broader variations have been explained. Accordingly, the scope of
protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is
only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include
all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.